Snowmobile Skid Frame Assembly

ABSTRACT

A skid frame for a snowmobile is disclosed including a generally planar skid surface extending between front and rear idler wheels. The front and rear idler wheel are offset from one another and define a longitudinal direction. A track encircles the skid frame having the skid surface positioned over a center of the track such that a major longitudinally extending portion of the track that is coextensive with the skid surface has first and second unsupported lateral portions on either side of the skid surface. The first and second unsupported lateral portions extend in the horizontal direction at least 25 percent of a width of the track. A suspension arm member may mount the skid rail and include mount portions for mounting to a tunnel and spanning a distance at least twice the width of the longitudinal beam.

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/081,085, filed Mar. 25, 2016, which is a Continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/109,760, filed on Dec. 17, 2013, and isincorporated herein by reference. A claim of priority to all, to theextent appropriate, is made.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to snowmobiles and, more particularly, to skidframes for supporting the track of snowmobiles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Snowmobiles travel over snow by means of steerable skis and a trackdriven by the snowmobile's engine. In order to provide a large surfacearea in contact with the snow, a skid frame supports the track. The skidframe typically includes a number of idler wheels and a pair of railsoffset from one another with wear-resistant material on the lowersurfaces thereof. The rails maintain a portion of the track generallyflat against the ground. The track may have metal clips withinward-facing smooth surfaces that ride along the wear-resistantmaterial. The skid frame may additionally include a suspension systemcoupled to the chassis of the snowmobile in order to improve ridequality.

This application is directed to an improved skid frame for a snowmobilethat provides improved handling characteristics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a snowmobile includes a chassisincluding a tunnel. A skid frame is mounted to the chassis below thetunnel and includes a slide surface, a front idler wheel, and a rearidler. The front and rear idler wheels are offset from one another anddefine a longitudinal direction. The slide surface is generally planaralong most of its length and extends along the longitudinal directionbetween the front idler wheels and the rear idler wheels. A trackencircles the skid frame. The tunnel defines a recess having a widthsized to receive an upper portion of the track. The slide surface ispositioned over a center of the track such that a major longitudinallyextending portion of the track that is coextensive with the skid surfacehas first and second unsupported lateral portions on either side of theskid surface. The first and second unsupported lateral portions eachextend in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection from an edge of the skid surface to an outermost edge of thetrack and have an extent in the horizontal direction of at least 25percent of a width of the track.

In another aspect of the invention, the track defines a plurality ofwindows overlapping the center of the track. The windows have a combinedwidth in the horizontal direction that is substantially equal to a widthof the skid surface in the horizontal direction. The track may furtherinclude reinforcing members embedded in the track and extending in thehorizontal direction between adjacent windows of the plurality ofwindows. Metal clips may be secured to the track between adjacentwindows of the plurality of windows and have an inward facing surfaceengageable with the skid surface. The inward facing surface may have awidth in the horizontal direction substantially equal to the width ofthe plurality of windows.

In another aspect of the invention, the skid frame includes alongitudinal beam defining a lower surface for receiving at least onewear strip. The longitudinal beam has a width in a horizontal directionperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal beam. Frontidler wheel receivers are secured to a first end portion of thelongitudinal beam and rear idler wheel receivers are secured to a secondend portion of the longitudinal beam. The lower surface extends betweenthe front and rear idler wheel receivers. A frame member has a firstmount portion pivotally secured to the longitudinal beam and secondmount portions configured to secure to a chassis of a snowmobile. Thesecond mount portions span a mount separation distance in the horizontaldirection that is at least twice the width of the longitudinal beam. Thefirst mount portion and longitudinal beam are substantially centeredbetween the second mount portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention aredescribed in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a snowmobile in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a skid frame assembly in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear-elevation view of a front suspension arm secured to therail in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a snowmobile chassis in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of a portion of an inward facing surface of asnowmobile track in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5B is a top plan view of a portion of an outward facing surface ofa snowmobile track in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5C is a front cross-sectional view of a snowmobile track inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5D is a top plan view of an outward facing surface of analternative embodiment of a snowmobile track in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5E is a top plan view of an outward facing surface of anotheralternative embodiment of a snowmobile track in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of a snowmobile chassis duringside-hill operation in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 7A-7I are cross-sectional views of a skid rail and wear strips ofa skid frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a skid rail in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a tensioning system for a skid rail inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate a rocking skid rail in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate a device for limiting flexing and twisting of atrack in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate pivoting rear idler wheels in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, a snowmobile 10 includes a chassis 12 housing anengine. The chassis 12 may have steerable skis 14 (or runners 14)coupled thereto. The skis 14 are coupled to handlebars 16 and aresteerable in response to changes in angle of the handlebars 16. Acorresponding second ski 14 (not shown) having a mirrored configurationto that of the illustrated ski 14 may be located on an opposite side ofthe snowmobile 10 and likewise be coupled to the handlebars 16 andsteerable thereby. A tunnel 18 is part of the chassis and extendsrearwardly with a seat 20 secured to an upper surface thereof. Thetunnel 18 defines a space for receiving a portion of a track 22 drivenby the engine of the snowmobile 10.

A skid frame assembly 24 is encircled by the track 22. The skid frameboth (1) maintains a portion of the track 22 in contact with the groundand (2) provides a suspension 30 for enhancing ride quality of thesnowmobile 10. The skid frame assembly 24 may include a skid rail 26having one or more wear strips 28 secured to a lower surface thereof.The track 22 slides along the wear strips 28. Idler wheels 32, 34 (e.g.,front idler wheels 32 and rear idler wheels 34) secure to the skid rail26 longitudinally offset from one another such that portion of the track22 between the idler wheels 32, 34 is pressed against a driving surfaceby the rail 26 and wear strips 28. The idler wheels reduce the frictionof the track at bends in the travel of the track as it moves around theskid frame assembly 24. The portion of the skid rail 26 between theidler wheels 32, 34 may have a substantially flat lower surface, e.g.deviate vertically from a straight line extending between the idlerwheels 32, 34 by less than 5 percent, preferably less than 1 percent, ofthe distance between the idler wheels 32, 34. Other idler wheels, suchas the upper idler wheel 36 guide the track over the suspension arms andmaintain tension in the track 22 in response to compression of thesuspension 30. For purposes of this disclosure, unless otherwise noted,the word “substantially” may mean “within 5 percent of,” preferably“within 1 percent of.”

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary skid frame assembly 24. The skid frameassembly 24 may be understood with respect to a longitudinal direction38 that generally corresponds to a direction of travel of the snowmobile10, the direction that the track slides along the wear strip 28, or aline passing through the idler wheels 32, 34. A horizontal direction 40may be defined as perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 38 andparallel to a lower surface of the wear strip 28 or a surface over whichthe snowmobile 10 is traveling. A vertical direction 42 may be definedas being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 38 and horizontaldirection 40.

The suspension 30 of the skid frame assembly 24 may include a front arm44 (e.g., suspension arm member) and a rear arm 46, also referred to asan idler arm 46. The front and rear arms 44, 46 may each include anupper horizontal member 48, vertical supports 50 extending downwardlyfrom the upper horizontal member 48, and a lower horizontal member 52secured to lower end portions of the vertical supports 50. As isapparent in FIG. 2, the vertical supports 50 span the vertical extentbetween the upper horizontal members 48 and the lower horizontal members52 but are not necessarily themselves parallel to the vertical direction42. The lower horizontal member 52 may pivotally mount to the skid rail26. In the illustrated embodiment, the front arm 44 pivotally secures tothe skid rail 26 by means of an intervening member such as by pivotallysecuring to one or more brackets 45 rigidly secured to the skid rail andextending vertically above the skid rail 26. Likewise, the idler arm 46may be secured to the skid rail 26 by pivotal securement to a rear arm47 that is pivotally or rigidly secured to the skid rail 26. As shown inFIG. 2, the vertical supports 50 of the front arm 44 define an includedangle 54 with respect to the upper horizontal member 48. The includedangle 54 is less than 90 degrees, preferably less than 80 degrees, andmore preferably less than 70 degrees. As described in greater detailbelow, the skid rail 26 and wear strip 28 are substantially narrowerthan the track 22 and the tunnel 18. Accordingly, acute angle 54 iseffective to span the difference between the width of the tunnel 18 andthe width of the track 22. The vertical supports 50 may have tunnelmounts 56 secured to upper end portions thereof for securing to thetunnel 18 or some other portion of the chassis 12.

The vertical supports 50 of the rear idler arm 46 may likewise define anacute angle 58 with respect to the upper horizontal member 48. The idlerwheels 36 may be coupled to the upper horizontal member 48. Theseparation between the idler wheels 36 may be smaller than a width ofthe tunnel 18. Accordingly, the angle 58 may be less acute than theangle 54.

The front arm 44 may be coupled to the skid rail 26 by means of a shockabsorber 60 that resists rotation of the front arm 44. Likewise, theidler arm 46 may be coupled to the skid rail 26 by means of shockabsorber 62 that resists rotation of the idler arm 46. For example, theshock absorber 62 may be pivotally secured at one end to a rocker arm 63a that is pivotally mounted to the skid rail 26. The rocker arm 63 a maypivotally mount directly to the skid rail 26 or by means of pivotalsecurement to lower horizontal member 52 of the front arm 44, e.g. to anoutboard end thereof. The shock absorber 62 may be pivotally secured atan opposite end to a rocker arm 63 b pivotally secured to the upperhorizontal member 48 of the idler arm 46. A link 63 c, e.g. rod, mayalso be pivotally secured to the rocker arm 63 a and the rocker arm 63b. As shown, the shock absorber 62 is pivotally secured to the rockerarm 63 a between the points of securement of the link 63 c and the lowerhorizontal member 52 to the rocker arm 63 a. For the upper rocker arm 63b, the point of securement to the upper horizontal member 48 is betweenpoints of securement of the link 63 c and the shock absorber 62 to therocker arm 63 b. As shown in FIG. 2, due to the narrowness of the skidrail 26 and its vertical extent, the shock absorbers 60, 62 may bepositioned to one side of the skid rail 26 Likewise, the rocker arms 63a, 63 b, and link 63 c may be located on the same side of the skid rail26. The illustrated configuration of the suspension 30 is merelyillustrative. Various other suspension 30 configurations may also beused with the skid rail 26 configuration described herein.

In some embodiments, the skid rail 26 has a forward end portion 64 thatis one or both of tapered and tilted upward with respect to theremainder of the skid rail. Other than the forward end portion 64, theskid rail 26 may have a constant cross section, such as a rectangularbox beam shape. In the illustrated configuration, anti-stab wheels 66secure to the forward end portion 64.

Referring to FIG. 3, the forward arm 44 may define a spanning distance70 between outer faces of the tunnel mounts 56 (e.g., tubes in theembodiment of FIG. 2) Likewise, the skid rail 26 may define a width 72.The width 72 may be the width of the box beam forming the skid rail 26or a distance between the outermost edges of a wear strip 28 or a set ofwear strips 28 secured to the skid rail. In some embodiments, thedistance 70 is at least twice the distance 72, preferably at least threetimes the distance 72. In some embodiments, the distance 70 is no morethan four times the distance 72. Referring to FIG. 4, the tunnel 18 mayhave a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape including a topsurface 74 supporting the seat 20 and side panels 76 extendingdownwardly from the top surface. In some embodiments, the side panels 76are perpendicular to the top panel 74. In other embodiments, the sidepanels 76 may flare outwardly. The tunnel 18 may define a width 78 sizedto receive the track 22, i.e. greater than a width 80 of the track 22plus some tolerance for sway in the track 22. For purposes of FIG. 4,widths are widths measured along the horizontal direction 40. The width78 may be defined as the narrowest width of the tunnel that islongitudinally adjacent a portion of the track 22 at some point duringoperation. For example, the width 78 for a flared tunnel 18 may be thedistance in horizontal direction 40 between the side panels 76 at thetop panel 74.

The rail width 72 as defined above may be substantially less than thewidth 80 of the track. For example, the skid rail 26 may be positionedover the centerline and a portion of the track 22 may extend unsupportedby the skid frame on either side of the skid rail 26 and the wear strip28, or wear strips 28. The extent 82 of the unsupported portion on oneside of the track may be at least 25 percent of the entire width of thetrack 22, preferably 30 percent, and more preferably 35 percent. Theextent 82 of one side of the unsupported portion of the track 22 may bedefined as a right or left portion of the track 22 extending outwardlyfrom an outermost portion of the wear strips 28 (or single wear strip)in contact with the track 22 when the snowmobile 10 is positioned on aflat surface. Accordingly, the distance 72 between outward edges of thewear strips 28, or of a single wear strip when only one wear strip isused (e.g. see FIG. 7B), may be less than 50 percent, preferably lessthan 40 percent, and more preferably less than 30 percent, of the trackwidth 80.

In some embodiments, the distance 72 is at least 50 percent of the widthof the track 22, preferably 35 percent, and more preferably 25 percent.The unsupported portion may extend along a major portion, preferablysubstantially all of the track 22 extending in the longitudinaldirection 38 between the idler wheels 32, 34 (See FIGS. 1 and 2). Theunsupported portion may be completely unsupported and may not engage anyother structure that would prevent flexing and twisting of the track 22.In some embodiments, the unsupported portion may be completelyunsupported and not engage any other structure for some angulardistance, e.g. at least 5 degrees, preferably 10 degrees, at which pointsome structure may prevent or hinder further flexing and/or twisting ofthe track 22.

Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5C, while still referring to FIG. 4, the track22 may have lugs 84 secured thereto to improve traction with snow. Thelugs 84 may be positioned on either side of windows 86 cut through thetrack 22 periodically along the centerline of the track 22. In someembodiments, the lugs 84 extend in the horizontal direction 40 partiallyacross the windows 86 as apparent in FIG. 5B. The centerline of thetrack is a line located at the center of the track as measured along thehorizontal direction 40. The centerline of the track extends through thewindows 86. The windows 86 may serve to allow snow to pass through thetrack 22 in order to cool the one or more wear strips 28. The windows 86may have a width 88 in horizontal direction 40 that is comparable to thewidth 72. For example, the width 88 may be +/− 10 percent, preferably 5percent, more preferably 1 percent, of the width 72. Portions of thetrack 22 between the windows 86 may have reinforcing members 90 embeddedtherein. The reinforcing members 90 may include, for example,fiberglass, metal, plastic, or some other material. The reinforcingmembers 90 resist flexing of the track while still allowing some flexingand urge the track 22 to both twist and flex in response to unbalancedloading.

The portions of the track 22 between the windows 86, including theembedded reinforcing members 90, may be partially or completelysurrounded by clips 92. The clips 92 may be formed of metal or other lowfriction material. An inward facing surface of the clips 92 engages thewear strips 28 and reduces wear and friction due to sliding of the track22 over the wear strips 28. The width 88 may be selected such that theclips 92 extend completely or substantially completely across the wearstrips 28, or set of wear strips 28. The clips 92 may extend completelyor substantially completely across the window 86. As shown in FIGS. 5Athrough 5C, the clips 92 preferably have a staggered configuration andextend partially across the window 86, such that a clip 92 around onerod 90 is positioned closer to one side of the window 86 whereas theclip 92 on an adjacent rod 90 is positioned closer to an opposite sideof the window 86. This staggered configuration may advantageouslyaccommodate or facilitate a similar staggered arrangement of the lugs 74extending partially across the window 86 as shown in FIG. 5B. As shownin FIG. 5B, one lug 84 may be positioned on one side of the row ofwindows 86 and extend partially across the width of the windows 86 fromthat side whereas an adjacent lug 84 may be positioned on an oppositeside of the rows of windows 86 and extend partially across the width ofthe windows 86 from that side.

Referring to FIG. 5D, in some embodiments, the windows 86 and clips 92may be substantially centered with respect to a width of the track 22.The clips 92 may extend parallel to the width of the track such that atleast 50 percent, preferably at least 75 percent, and more preferably100 percent, of the widths of the lower surfaces of the wear strips 28contact the clips 92 as the track passes under the wear strips.

Referring to FIG. 5E, in another embodiment, parallel rows of windows 86are defined by the track 22 and corresponding parallel rows of clips 92are coupled to the track between contiguous windows of each row. Theseparation between the windows 86 and clips 92 along the width of thetrack 22 may correspond to a separation of the wear strips 28 inembodiments having two or more wear strips 28. The rows of windows 86and clips 92 may be positioned such that each clip 92 contacts a wearstrip 28 along at least 50 percent, preferably at least 75 percent, andmore preferably 100 percent, of the width of that wear strip 28 as thetrack runs under the wear strip.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the configuration of the skid rail 26 and wearstrips 28 with respect to the width of the track 22 may facilitatehandling of the snowmobile. For example, when riding along a hill, itmay be advantageous to drive with one ski (the uphill ski) engaged withthe snow and the other ski (the downhill ski) elevated above the snow.However, it can be a difficult maneuver to tip the snowmobile to itsuphill side. Furthermore, this orientation can be difficult to maintainwhile maneuvering up, down, or around obstacles. To do so, theorientation of the snowmobile relative to the hillside may need to beconstantly adjusted. In some situations, the track 22 may not besufficiently engaged with the snow to maintain forward movement of thesnowmobile sufficient to maintain the snowmobile in this orientation.

The configuration described herein for the skid rail 26 and wear strips28 enables flexing and/or twisting of the track 22 when riding along aslope. In this situation, the uphill side of the track 22 will flexupwardly by an angle 94. The downhill side of the track 22 may also flexdownwardly by an angle 96. The angle 96 may be less than the angle 94due to flexing of the track 22. In this manner, a greater area of thetrack 22 and lugs 84 are maintained in contact with the snow. The smalltipping adjustments of the snowmobile relative to the slope may also bemore easily accomplished as the tipping is less abrupt—relying on sometrack twist and some track flex rather than just pivoting about anuphill rail of a conventional skid frame.

Referring to FIG. 6B, in some instances or embodiments, the track 22 maynot substantially flex or bend during side hill use as shown. In suchembodiments, the stiffness of the track 22 may be such that the angles94, 96 for a portion of the track 22 may be substantially equal, e.g.within+/− 10%, preferably within +/− 5%, of equal to one another. Thisalso depends on the slope of the side hill, the tightness of the trackand the ability of any idler wheels to flex or follow the twisting ofthe track. In such instance with minimal track bending, the track isable to more closely follow the contour of the slope. This may lead topositive forward traction and even lateral traction, along with improvedmaneuverability.

Referring to FIG. 7A, in some embodiments, a skid rail 26 according tothe embodiments described herein may have two or more wear strips 28defining a skid surface. In such embodiments, the distance 72 may bedefined as the distance between the outermost edges of the outermostwear strips 28. In some embodiments, the width of the skid rail issubstantially equal to the distance 72. In some embodiments, the wearstrips 28 may define a channel 98 and the skid rail 26 may have one ormore rails 100 (e.g., wear strip receivers) extending longitudinallyalong the lower surface thereof. The rails 100 may have a widened endportion 102. The channel 98 receives the rail 100 and the widenedportion 102 retains the wear strip 28 within the channel 98. Theconfiguration of FIG. 7A advantageously allows a skid rail 26 accordingto the embodiments described herein to use wear strips 28 forconventional snowmobiles.

Referring to FIG. 7B, in still other embodiments, a single wear strip 28spans the entire distance 72. Accordingly, a single rail 100 (e.g., wearstrip receiver) with a widened end portion 102 may be received within achannel 98 defined by such a wear strip 28. Due to the width of the wearstrip 28, fasteners may additionally or alternatively be used to securethe wear strip 28 to the skid rail 26. Referring to FIG. 7C, in anotheralternative embodiment, a wear strip 28 defines a rail 104 with awidened end portion 106 that is received within a channel 108 defined byor secured to the skid rail 26.

Although the skid rail 26 as shown has a rectangular box beamconfiguration, other cross sectional shapes may also be used. Forexample, the skid rail 26 beam may have a generally semi-circular-shapedportion and have a wear strip 28 mounted to a planar lower surface and arounded upper surface as shown in FIG. 7D. The wear strip 28 of FIG. 7Dmay be securable to the skid rail 26 in the same manner as for FIGS. 7Bor 7C or some other means. In the embodiment of FIG. 7D the rail 100 formounting the wear strip 28 is monolithically formed (preferably byextrusion) with the skid rail 26 beam. However, the rail 100 may besecurable to the skid rail 26 by some other means such as fasteners,welds, or the like. As apparent in FIG. 7D, the lower surface of thewear strip 28 has a curved or convex configuration. The lower surface ofthe wear strips 28 of FIGS. 7B and 7C may be similarly curved in someembodiments. In embodiments having one or more wear strips 28, one ormore of the wear strips may be curved or otherwise define a portion of aconcave surface. As shown in FIG. 7E, a skid rail 26 with a roundedupper surface, or other cross-sectional shape, may be used with a pairof wear strips 28 and corresponding mounting rails 100 as for otherembodiments disclosed herein. The outward facing edges of the two ormore wear strips 28 may be curved or chamfered to facilitate twistingand/or bending of a track engaging the two or more wear strips 28. Asshown in FIG. 7F, in other embodiments, the two or more skid rails 28have planar lower surfaces instead, without chamfering or rounding. Asshown in FIG. 7G, a skid rail 26 having a square, rounded, or othercross section may have a single wear strip secured thereto in a similarmanner to FIG. 7B or FIG. 7C. The wear strip may define a convex lowersurface to facilitate twisting and/or flexing of the track 22 engagedthereby. The convex shape may be defined by one or both of chamfering orrounding at outer edges thereof and by a continuously contoured orrounded lower surface having a constant (e.g. circular) or varying (e.g.elliptical) radius of curvature.

In still other embodiments, the skid rail 26 may be embodied as tworails each having a wear strip 28 mounted thereto such as are used in aconventional snowmobile as shown in FIG. 7H. The two rails may bepositioned close together such that the wear strips have therelationship to one another as for other embodiments disclosed herein.In such embodiments, the two rails may have supportive braces betweenthem.

In some embodiments, the skid rail 26 has an open box beam shape, e.g.inverted U-shape, such that one wall thereof is removed as shown in FIG.7I. In such an embodiment, the wear strips 28 may mount to exposed edgesof the open box beam. In such embodiments, the two rails may havesupportive braces between them. For any of the embodiments of FIGS. 7Athrough 7H, the skid rail 26 and structures engaging the variouslyembodied wear strips 28 may be co-extruded.

Referring to FIG. 8, as viewed from the side, the skid rail 26 isgenerally straight along the longitudinal direction 38. The skid rail 26may advantageously be substantially straight along a major portion ofthe longitudinal extent thereof, e.g. between 75 and 80 percent of thelength thereof. As noted above, a front-end portion 64 of the skid railmay slope upwardly and may also taper in a plane parallel to thelongitudinal direction 38 and vertical direction 42. The wear strip 28may extend along substantially the entire lower surface of the skid rail26, including the front-end portion 64.

Referring to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the track may be tensioned byadjusting a relative position of the rear idler wheels 34 to the skidrail 26. For example, a tensioning system 110 may be interposed betweenthe rear idler wheels 34 and the skid rail 26. In the illustratedembodiment, the tensioning system 110 includes a rear tensioning body114 that includes rear idler wheel receivers 200 having the idler wheels34 pivotally mounted thereto and a front tensioning body 112 that mountsto an upper surface of the skid rail 26. The rear tensioning body 114defines slots 116 positioned along opposing lateral surfaces (e.g.vertically and longitudinally extending surfaces) of the skid rail 26and extending in the longitudinal direction 38. The tensioning system110 may be symmetric such that a corresponding slot 116 may bepositioned on an opposite side of the skid rail 26 and have a mirroredconfiguration to the illustrated slot 116. The rear tensioning body 114may be secured to the skid rail 26 by means of fasteners 118 positionedwithin the slots and tensioned and positioned such that sliding movementof the fasteners 118 within the slots 116 is permitted.

The front tensioning body 112 may define a longitudinally extendingaperture 120 that receives a threaded fastener 122, e.g. bolt having oneend bearing against the rear tensioning body 114. The aperture 120 maybe threaded such that rotation of the fastener 120 will urge thefastener 122 longitudinally relative to the front tensioning body 112.The rear tensioning member 114 will therefore be constrained to moverelative to the front tensioning body 112 and skid rail 26 in responseto this rotation, thereby adjusting the tension in the track of thesnowmobile.

Alternatively, the rear idler wheels (or a single rear idler wheel) maybe situated between rail sides, instead of outboard of the rail sides.For this purpose, the rail may be split or have an opening for thewheel(s) at its rearward end.

Referring to FIGS. 10A through 10C, in some embodiments a skid rail 26may have curved lower surface 124 that engages a corresponding concavesurface 126 defined by the wear strip 28. The wear strip 28 may have acurved lower surface 128. The wear strip 28 may include ridges 130 thatinsert within grooves 132 positioned on opposite sides of the skid rail26 in order to mount the wear strip 28 to the skid rail 26.

In some embodiments, the clips 92 may define a curved seat for receivingthe curved lower surface 128 of the wear strip 28. For example, a clip92 may include lower tabs 134 that partially encircle a portion of thetrack 22 in order to secure the clip 92, such as in the conventionalmanner for securing clips 92 to a track 22 as known in the art. Uppertabs 136 may rest on protuberances 138 or ridges extending inwardly froman inner surface of track 22. A curved portion 140 of the clip 92extends between the tabs 136 and defines a seat for engaging the curvedlower surface 128 of the wear strip 28 and permitting rotation of theskid rail 26 within the curved portion 140. As shown the tabs 126 havingthe curved portion 140 therebetween may be formed of a piece of metalbent to the illustrated shape. As is apparent in the FIGS. 10A and 10B,the curved lower surface 128 extends below the tabs 136. In someembodiments, additional protuberances 142 protrude outwardly from theinner surface of the track 22. The protuberances 142 may engage asprocket coupled to an engine of the snowmobile 10 or some otherstructure for driving a track 22.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 10B and 10C, the lugs 84 may extendcompletely across the track 22 and may cross the clips 92 such that eachclip is located over a lug 84. Alternatively, each of the lugs mayextend only partially across the width of the track. Other fingers orlug shapes may also be molded into the track. In the illustratedembodiment, a single row of windows 86 are positioned between clips 92and receive the tabs 134 thereof to secure the clips 92 to the track 22.However, multiple rows of windows may also be used. Referring to FIG.10D, the configuration of FIGS. 10A-10C advantageously reducesresistance to rotation of the track 22, such as during side hilloperation. For example, in response to a torsional force on the track22, the track 22 may rotate an angle 144 while the curved lower surface128 remains in engagement with the curved portions 140 of the clips 92.The angle 144 may be limited by the extent of the curved surface 128,e.g. the angular extent subtended by the curved surface 128. Rotation ofthe track 22 may be limited by engagement of the edge of the curvedportion 140 with sides of the skid rail 26. In some embodiments, themaximum value for angle 144 is 45 degrees. In other embodiments themaximum value may be lower, such as 30, 20, or 10 degrees. The angle ispreferably limited by the torsional resistance of the track and theidler wheels that guide the track.

Referring to FIGS. 11A through 11D, in some embodiments, adjustablestops, such as the illustrated structure, may be used to selectivelylimit or prevent twisting and/or flexing of the track 22 that isotherwise permitted according to the foregoing embodiments. For example,a wheel 146 may be mounted to the skid rail 26, such as at anintermediate position between the rear idler wheels 34 and front idlerwheels 32 or forward end of the skid rail 26. As shown in FIG. 11A and11B, the wheel 146 is positioned such that the track 22 engages thewheel rotation of the wheel 146 may also be oriented at the maximumangle 26, such as within+/− 10%, preferably +/− 5%, of the maximum angle94 permitted at the longitudinal position of the wheel 146. The axis ofrotation of the wheel 146 may be offset from the track 22 such that aportion of the wheel 146 engages the track 22 at a desired maximum angle94. The wheel 146 may be longitudinally positioned at a point of maximumdeflection of the track 22 in the absence of the wheel 146. The wheel146 may be positioned substantially longitudinally centered on anunsupported span of the track 22 extending forward of the rear idlerwheels 34. For example, the wheel 146 may be positioned within a windowcentered on the center of the unsupported span, the window having alongitudinal extent of 10%, preferably 5%, more preferably 1%, of thelength of the unsupported span. As one example, the unsupported span mayextend from the rear idler wheels 34 to any front idler wheels 32.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel 146 may be positioned in atleast two different positions each having a different maximum angle 94.For example, the wheel 146 may secure to a mount 148 that pivotallyengages a bracket 150 mounted to the skid rail 26, such as by means ofscrews, welds, or the like. For example a pair of upper flanges 152 mayengage a pivot 154 passing through the mount 148. For example, the pivot154 may be a bolt, pin, or other cylindrical structure that constrainsthe mount 148 to pivot thereabout. The axis of rotation of the pivot 154may be aligned with the longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis ofthe skid rail 26.

A lower, or some other, portion of the mount 148 may be pinned to thebracket 150 in order to fix the mount 148 and wheel 146 at a specificangular position. For example, lower flanges 156 of the bracket 150 mayreceive a pin 158 that passes through the mount 148 thereby fixing themount 148 and wheel 146 at the illustrated angular position. The pin 158may include a detent 160 or other structure for maintaining the pin 158in the illustrated position. As shown in FIG. 11B, a ring 164 or otherhandle secured to the pin 158 may be used by a user to remove the pin158 and overcome the retention force of the detent 160. The lowerflanges 156 may define one or more additional apertures 162 forreceiving the pin 158 and fixing the mount 148 at a different angularposition.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 11C and 11D, in some embodiments, thewheel 146 and mount 148 may be fixable in a position that does notsubstantially allow for pivoting or flexing of the track 22. Forexample, the pin 158 may be removed from an aperture 166 in the lowerflange 156 and inserted through the aperture 162 as well as through themount 148 to fix the wheel 146 in the illustrated position. As shown inFIG. 11C, the wheel 146 may be separated from the track 22 in theabsence of deflection of the track 22. In this manner, when travelingover a planar surface, particularly firm snow or ice, the wheel 146 doesnot engage the track 22 and therefore does not introduce friction ordrag. In some embodiments, a small angular deflection of the track 22may be allowed, e.g. up to 5 degrees, preferably only up to 2 degrees,when the wheel 146 is at its lowest angular position. The wheels 146 mayalternatively be elastically mounted to the rail, such that they canmove upwardly under force from the track, but are biased downwardly. Aspring (such as a coil spring, torsion spring, or elastomer) may be usedto bias the idler wheel. The stiffness of the spring may be selecteddepending on the type of riding and terrain expected. The spring may beadjustable.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, in some embodiments, the rear idlerwheels 34 may be allowed to pivot freely, or freely within a proscribedangular range responsive to torsional forces on a track 22. The wheelsmay alternatively be able to pivot, while being biased to a centered orneutral position. For example, an axle 168 or other structure includingrear idler wheel receivers 200 (FIG. 9), to which the rear idler wheels34 are rotatably mounted may be mounted to a pivot 170 having an axis ofrotation aligned with the longitudinal direction (into the page of FIG.12B) and/or the longitudinal axis of the skid rail 26. In theillustrated embodiment, a bracket 172 secures to the axle 168 andmaintains the axle 168 offset vertically above the pivot 170. The pivot170 may be a rod or axle and may pivotally mount to the skid rail atvarious positions by various pivotal mounting means. In the illustratedembodiment, the skid rail 26 is a hollow beam and the pivot 170rotatably mounts to an inner surface thereof, such as the inner bottomsurface thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, a bracket 174 defines aseating surface engaging the pivot and permitting rotation thereof isused. The bracket 174 may be secured to the skid rail 26 by means ofwelds, screws, or other fastening means. In operation, the track 22engaging the rear idler wheels 34 will be in tension such that the pivot170 may not be restrained against longitudinal movement (within a range)and be held in place by the tension of the tack 22 instead.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustratedand described, as noted above, many changes can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular,although the embodiments described above relate to snowmobiles, othertracked vehicles for use on snow or other applications may alsoadvantageously use the embodiments disclosed herein. Accordingly, thescope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferredembodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely byreference to the claims that follow.

What is claimed:
 1. A track system for a vehicle, the track systemcomprising: a skid frame assembly that includes a skid rail having ahollow portion, a front idler wheel, and a rear idler wheel, wherein theskid rail extends in a longitudinal direction and includes a wear strip,the wear strip extending along at least a portion of a bottom surface ofthe skid rail; and a track encircling the skid frame assembly, the trackhaving an inner slide surface and an outer surface that engages with theground, wherein the track is pivotable relative to the skid rail aboutat least one longitudinally extending roll axis.
 2. The track system ofclaim 1, wherein an orientation of the track relative to the skid railis defined by an uphill angle and a downhill angle, wherein the uphillangle is defined between the bottom surface of the skid rail and theinner slide surface of the track on a uphill side of the vehicle,wherein the downhill angle is defined between the bottom surface of theskid rail and the inner slide surface of the track on a downhill side ofthe vehicle.
 3. The track system of claim 2, wherein the track issubstantially rigid in a horizontal direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction, and wherein the uphill angle is within tendegrees of the downhill angle.
 4. The track system of claim 2, whereinthe track is substantially rigid in a horizontal direction perpendicularto the longitudinal direction, and wherein the uphill angle is withinfive degrees of the downhill angle.
 5. The track system of claim 2,wherein the track is flexible in a horizontal direction perpendicular tothe longitudinal direction, and wherein the uphill angle is greater thanthe downhill angle.
 6. The track system of claim 1, wherein first andsecond portions of the track extend unsupported on either side of thewear strip in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection.
 7. The track system of claim 6, wherein the first and secondunsupported portions of the track extend from an edge of the wear stripto an outermost edge of the track and having an extent in the horizontaldirection of at least 25 percent of a width of the track, wherein thefirst and second unsupported portions extend longitudinally from thefront idler wheel to the rear idler wheel.
 8. The track system of claim1, wherein the at least one longitudinally extending roll axis includesa first longitudinally extending roll axis and a second longitudinallyextending roll axis.
 9. The track system of claim 8, wherein the firstlongitudinally extending roll axis and the second longitudinallyextending roll axis are offset in a horizontal direction from alongitudinally extending centerline axis.
 10. A tracked vehiclecomprising: a chassis; at least one ski steerably secured to thechassis; a skid frame assembly mounted to the chassis that includes afront idler wheel, a rear idler wheel, and a skid surface that extendsin a longitudinal direction; a track encircling the skid frame assembly,the skid surface positioned over the track and wherein the track hasfirst and second unsupported lateral portions each extending in ahorizontal direction transverse to the longitudinal direction from anedge of the skid surface to an outermost edge of the track, wherein thefirst and second unsupported lateral portions extends longitudinallyfrom the front idler wheel to the rear idler wheel, and wherein anorientation of the track relative to the skid surface varies to maintaincontact between the track and ground surface.
 11. The tracked vehicle ofclaim 10, wherein the orientation of the track relative to the skidsurface is defined by an uphill angle and a downhill angle, wherein theuphill angle is defined between the skid surface and a slide surface ofthe track on a uphill side of the tracked vehicle, wherein the downhillangle is defined between the skid surface and the slide surface of thetrack on a downhill side of the tracked vehicle.
 12. The tracked vehicleof claim 11, wherein the track is substantially rigid in a horizontaldirection perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and wherein theuphill angle is within ten degrees of the downhill angle.
 13. Thetracked vehicle of claim 11, wherein the track is substantially rigid ina horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, andwherein the uphill angle is within five degrees of the downhill angle.14. The tracked vehicle of claim 11, wherein the track is flexible in ahorizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, andwherein the uphill angle is greater than the downhill angle.
 15. Thetracked vehicle of claim 10, wherein the first and second unsupportedlateral portions of the track have an extent in the horizontal directionof at least 25 percent of a width of the track.
 16. A tracked vehiclecomprising: a chassis; at least one ski steerably secured to thechassis; a skid frame assembly secured to the chassis, the skid frameassembly including a skid rail having a hollow portion, a front idlerwheel, and a rear idler wheel, wherein the skid rail extends in alongitudinal direction and includes a wear strip, the wear stripextending along at least a portion of a bottom surface of the skid rail;and a track encircling the skid frame assembly, the track having aninner slide surface and an outer surface that engages with the ground,wherein the track is pivotable relative to the skid rail about at leastone longitudinally extending roll axis.
 17. The tracked vehicle of claim16, wherein the at least one longitudinally extending roll axis includesa first longitudinally extending roll axis offset in a horizontaldirection from a longitudinally extending centerline axis and a secondlongitudinally extending roll axis offset in the opposite horizontaldirection from the longitudinally extending centerline axis.
 18. Thetracked vehicle of claim 16, wherein first and second portions of thetrack extend unsupported on either side of the skid rail in a horizontaldirection perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
 19. The trackedvehicle of claim 18, wherein the first and second unsupported portionsof the track extend from an edge of the wear strip to an outermost edgeof the track and having an extent in the horizontal direction of atleast 25 percent of a width of the track, wherein the first and secondunsupported portions extend longitudinally from the front idler wheel tothe rear idler wheel.
 20. The tracked vehicle of claim 16, wherein thetrack is substantially rigid in the horizontal direction.